He’s not Marcus Welby, but the newest veterinarian in town does make house calls. In fact, it’s his specialty, and he’s a local guy to boot.
Dr. Henry Reinart is a lifelong resident of Monterey Township, a 2006 graduate of Hopkins High School and he earned his veterinary and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. He launched Pickle Street Veterinary Services about a year ago, and thus far he said business has been better than he expected.
Perhaps it’s because word is getting out that he indeed makes house calls to come see about your pet or animal.
“Mobile veterinarians are currently a niche market, but it is one of the fastest growing segments of the veterinary profession, said Reinart. “More and more people are interested in having a mobile veterinarian come out to their house because of convenience. It is also beneficial for clients who can’t transport their pet to a traditional practice for one reason or another.
“Many pets are more relaxed in the comfort of their own home.”
The key ingredient in offering mobile services is having a mobile unit that includes what’s needed to treat dogs, cats and larger farm animals. The business office is at 3323 30th St., Hopkins, but Dr. Reinart will come to your home.
He lists more than a few reasons on his web site to give his mobile practice a try:
- Catching and transporting your pet can become a high stress situation, both for yourself and your pet.
- A physical exam in your home can help alleviate the “White coat effect,” which can make your pet nervous and skew physical exam parameters.
- Clinic waiting rooms generally contain animals that are ill, which puts your pet at risk. We take special care to ensure that we do not transport disease between our client’s homes.
- You can wait for your appointment in the comfort of your own home and do what you would like to do. No more reading old magazines or watching the same television station over and over again.
- You no longer have to worry about your pet coming across an aggressive animal while you are in the waiting room, or in the clinic corridors. If your pet is the one that doesn’t play well with others, you no longer have to fear loosing your grip on the leash.
Dr. Reinart charges by the hour and costs include any drugs or vaccines for treatment. He insists his prices are very competitive with the brick and mortar practices in the area.
Dr. Reinart graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a certificate in Production Animal Medicine. While he was at MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine he focused his time on large animal medicine but still gained a solid foundation in small animal medicine. He obtained a bachelor of science degress in animal science in 2010 from MSU, where he focused his studies on nutrition and livestock management.
He also received a master of science degree in food safety so he can help clients in matters of pre-harvest food safety.
While at Michigan State University he was captain of the Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging team and on the AABP Championship Quiz Bowl team.
Reinart and his wife, Emily, live on the family farm in Monterey Township and they work with his father and his brothers.
PHOTO: Dr. Henry Reinart is shown here teaching a Caledonia High School agriscience class about ultrasound in sheep. He commented, “One of the things that I really enjoy about this job is the ability to work with FFA and 4-H students and help them to learn about raising livestock.”
